Madrid Festivals - July to December

July

During July and August the town-hall organizes a series of cultural events for what they call Veranos de la Villa, "Summer in the Village". Veranos de la Villa include a series of outdoor films, and concerts of everything from flamenco to rock and roll all summer long; all of this organized by the city’s authorities. In August there are several traditional verbenas in the barrio of La Latina. All the verbenas are related to a religious festival.

On July 25 Madrileños celebrate the Feast of St. James; and, on July 16-25, Virgen del Carmen festivities (Patron saint of the sea).

August

Between August 6 and 15, Virgen de la Paloma festivities (Madrid's patron saint), shows best the popular traditions of Madrid, with regional costumes and dances, the so-called Chotis. August is also the month of celebration in some of the typical districts of Madrid. For instance, on August 7, is San Cayetano's day (Cascorro neighbourhood's patron saint) and on August 10, San Lorenzo (Lavapiés neighbourhood's patron saint). The Fiestas de San Lorenzo, San Cayetano and the Virgen de la Paloma are commemorated with processions, open-air dancing, and sidewalk concerts in the park of the Vistillas and vicinity. Verbenas are colourful, traditional street festivals held in the old neighbourhoods of La Latina and Lavapiés.

During the first week of August, the locals commemorate the Motín de Aranjuez, which is a huge fiesta held in Aranjuez recalling the historic mutiny which took place in 1808. Many people dress up in period costumes.

August is, above all, the month when lots of Spaniards take up to a month for vacation and visit beaches or stay at country homes. During this month, shops, restaurants, and bars in Madrid are closed.

September to November

"Feria de Aranjuez" (first week of September) is the re-enactment of a famous local mutiny and other festivities; and during September the concert-houses and theaters have their best performances.

From October to November, the Festival de Otoño (Autumn Festival), focuses on the performing arts. This festival features theatre, dance and music performances, complementary exhibitions, plus a vigorous programme of talks and other events. There are several "Fiestas" during these months, such as Festival de Jazz de Madrid (which runs throughout October.), Fiesta de Santa Teresa (15 October) and Fiesta de San Frutas (25 October). Likewise, on October 12 is the Spain's National Day.

During November, there are many festivities as well, such as the "Dia de todos los Santos" (All Saints' Day), on November 1st. Likewise, the "Fiesta de la Virgen de la Almudena" (Madrid's patron saint) is celebrated on November 9th with a Mass held in the Plaza Mayor for the city’s female patron saint.

In November you may visit Madrid's International Jazz-Festival as well.

December

In December spaniards celebrate, on December 8th, the Immaculate Conception's day, and on December 25th, Christmas. In this month there is also an exposition of Christmas cribs at Plaza Mayor. During the "Feria de Artesanía", shops fill with traditional decorations for crib scenes and there’s a huge craft market held in the Recoletos.